Teo Herceg

Artist Statement

Teo Herceg (Croatia), Master of Sculpture, works under the artistic pseudonym Pronus a name derived from Latin, signifying a forward-oriented drive, movement, and focus on the future. This idea reflects his approach to art: constant exploration, experimentation, and a refusal to remain still. Pronus freely crosses media and materials without hierarchy or limitation, with a special affinity for metal, particularly bronze. He has developed an unconventional sculptural process in which he models directly in wax and casts directly, often resulting in unique, one-of-a-kind bronze originals. In his practice, the process is as important as the final form.

His work is characterized by material combinations, strong contrasts between rustic textures and physical weight, and vivid color with dynamic surfaces. Sculptural thinking extends into his painting, where layered structures and volumes blur the boundary between two- and three-dimensional expression. While primarily figurative, Pronus deconstructs figuration with elements of modernism and occasional abstraction, creating a distinctive visual language that balances seriousness with play. Humor is a deliberate and frequent element, serving both as communication and a subtle counterpoint to pathos. His art does not seek resolution, but movement forward.

Biography

Teo Herceg (Pronus) has held numerous solo exhibitions, including "Safari" (2025, Galerija Vladimir Filakovac, Zagreb), "Ballerinas" (2023, Oris Kuća arhitekture, Zagreb), "Sea Storms" (2023, Galerija Kraluš, Sveti Ivan Zelina), and "Crossing (2022, Knjižnica Dubec, Zagreb). In his solo exhibitions, he explores the combination of materials, figurative expression, and the interplay between sculptural and painterly techniques, emphasizing his characteristic play of color, volume, and contrast. His work has also been regularly presented at international exhibitions, including "Biennale of Sacred Art in Mostar (2025, Mostar), "Ethereal Horizons" (2025, Venice, Italy), "Whispered Realms: Hidden Spaces and Beings" (2025, Venice, Italy), "YICCA 24/25 International Contest of Contemporary Art" (2025, Milan, Italy), "Beyond Borders by Artio Gallery" (2024, Barcelona, Spain), and "London Art Biennale" (2023, London, UK). These experiences allow him to explore contemporary trends and engage with the international art scene.

Pronus is also active in group and juried exhibitions, including "5th Pocket Edition - International Miniature Exhibition" (2025-2026, Dubrovnik), "15th Ivo Kerdić Memorial Triennale of Croatian Medals and Small Sculpture" (2025-2026, Osijek), "When Waste Becomes Art (2025, Pula), "Exhibition of Competition Works for the Public Sculpture Design" (2024, Đurđevac), "ART-ECO We Are Not Alone" (2024, Zagreb), "Mysterium Crucis – The Stations of the Cross in Contemporary Art" (2024, Dubrovnik), "15 Minutes of Anonymity" (2023, Zadar), "Cult of Ugliness" (2023, Pula), "FLU-FLUXUS: Hard Rains' A-gonna Fall" (2023, Zagreb), and the sales exhibition "Pay and Take" (2022, Zagreb). Through these projects, he continuously develops his sculptural and painterly language, exploring themes of identity, social relationships, and the interaction of art with its audience. Over the course of his career, he has participated in more than 41 solo, group, and international exhibitions, confirming his ongoing and active presence in the art scene.

Teo Herceg has also realized several public sculptures, including "Book Row" (2022, Zagreb) and "Izidor Kršnjavi" (2024, Feričanci), reflecting his interest in space, collective identity, and social memory. He has received multiple awards, including the Grand Prix of the 15th Ivo Kerdić Memorial (2025), Young Artist Award (2024), Second Prize in the Picok Sculpture Competition (2024, Đurđevac), and Third Prize for the HOO Milan Neralić Award Visual Design (2019). These awards recognize his significant and ongoing contribution to contemporary sculpture and visual arts, both in Croatia and internationally. Teo Herceg is a member of the Croatian Association of Applied Arts Artists (ULUPUH) and the Croatian Association of Independent Artists (HZSU), further confirming his professional engagement and active participation in the Croatian art community.

Contact & Authenticity

With each artwork, Teo Herceg (Pronus) issues a Certificate of Authenticity, personally signed and stamped by the artist. For inquiries about a specific piece, additional information, or custom commissions, he can be contacted via email at pronus.croatia@gmail.com or by phone/WhatsApp at +385 91 902 5005. It is also possible to arrange a personal visit to the gallery space at Ilica 148, Zagreb, where Teo Herceg (Pronus) provides detailed explanations and insight into each work. The artist is open to creating custom artworks, tailored to a specific theme or personal idea, making each commissioned piece unique and personalized. His work can be followed on social media platforms Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook under the handle @pronus.hr, where new artworks, upcoming exhibitions, and artistic projects are regularly shared